Thumb sucking is a very normal act that children may do. As the child gets older, thumb sucking can have some serious effects on their oral care. It can interfere with the alignment and development of their teeth so this is one habit that you’ll want to break before it turns into a serious problem. Some long term effects of thumb sucking beyond the age of 5-6 years include:
If you do opt for a pacifier, some experts suggest the orthodontic style, rather than the conventional rounded type since it may be better for the teeth. Also make sure to never sweeten the pacifier with any type of sugar because the constant contact of sugar and teeth could lead to tooth decay. If you’d like to get more education on thumb sucking please call to speak to your local pediatric dentist at Toothtown Pediatric Dentistry in Wellington, Florida at (561)333-4568!
In order to prevent tooth decay, your local pediatric dentist near me may recommend getting sealants. Sealants are basically a covering of the chewing surface of the tooth which helps protect the top of the tooth from food getting stuck on the surface. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth. Sealants are an extra line of defense, but they do not protect in between the teeth so it is very important to still brush and floss regularly.
Where Are Sealants Applied & Who Should Get Them?
Usually, sealants are put on the molars and premolars. Children and teenagers are candidates for sealants, mostly because these are the hardest to reach areas and the hardest to clean areas of the teeth for them. Children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.
Other Benefits of Sealants
Sealants are a cost-effective way to help protect the teeth. Fillings can be must more expensive so it’s important to take great care of the teeth so that you can avoid having to pay for fillings and to avoid further problems in the future.
The difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist or general dentist who sees kids hinges on education and experience in dealing with and treating the oral healthcare issues of children, from infants to adolescents and teenagers. Pediatric dentists are specialized doctors who know how to meet the needs of your children. It is required for a pediatric dentist to complete 2-3 years full-time residency specialty training following their dental school education.
This 2-year intensive pediatric dental training includes:
During this time, the doctor is learning the most sensitive and child friendly way to care for young children.
Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist
Most parents want a doctor who will care for their child in a nurturing way. Pediatric Dentists also have staff members who are also trained specifically on management techniques geared toward infants, children and teenagers. Another benefit to visiting a pediatric dentist near me is that there is a kid friendly environment.
Contact Toothtown Pediatric Dentistry today to set up an appointment! (561)333-4568 and visit our Facebook page for a lot of information regarding pediatric dentistry!
Keep an eye on how often your child eats, as well as what they eat because your child's diet is important in preventing cavities. Remember every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in our mouth use the sugar and starch to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth's enamel. Our saliva can help fight off this acid attack, but if we eat frequently throughout the day -- especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches -- the repeated acid attacks will win the tug of war, causing the tooth to lose minerals and eventually develop a cavity.
Here are some simple ways to help prevent cavities:
Your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing. But, do you understand the basics and what you can do to promote oral health? Do you think you know everything about proper brushing techniques?
Following some brushing tips your will be able to keep good oral health:
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